I know this is kind of an old topic, but well, I’ve only been able to start threads for a little while and I still see evidence of my subject today.  Around the release of Sonic Generations, reviewers reflected on the troubled history of 3D Sonic games, but the general consensus was that the “Sonic Cycle” was finally broken with this latest title.  However, they all seemed to forget that the cycle was actually broken a year prior by the genuinely good Sonic Colors.

Colors was a Sonic game done well, containing imaginative levels, emphasizing smart platforming as well as speed, and featuring the Wisps as meaningful gameplay twists rather than as mere gimmicks.  However, the vast majority of sources at the time seemed to forget that it ever existed, and even today I still don’t see it getting much credit.  So like the title says, why no respect?

Not quite sure what the OP is talking about, because both games got the same kind of reviews. Its not about respect which both games got plenty of. Its just one game is more memorable, Generations is newer, is has an actual return to classic gameplay with familiar levels redone, so it has that nostalgia factor. Sega gave Generations more attention and why wouldnt they?? They built a brand new engine for the game, and it was Sonic's anniversary last year, so it was going to get more attention regardless.

ANd IMHO, if Generations is getting more "respect" it might be because its simply a better game than Colors, not that Colors was bad, but Sega took what it had from that game and basically made a better version of it in Generations. As a Sonic fan thats great, because every game has been improving. 06 and Secret Rings were both crap. Unleashed was mostly crap, except for the daytime parts, Black Knight went back to crap, hopefully they kill that storybook spin-of. Colors was good and Generations was even better

One reply and the question is answered

For first, Sonic Colours was exclusive to the Wii and DS, so no one seemed to care about it excluding the ones that owned a Wii and was a fan of the series. Also games like the Black night and Secret Rings sucked in my opinion and I have heard plenty of complaints about thoses games from numerous people. Even though the game was a million seller for both systems.

Cant agree more. Sonic Colors was awesome and so was Generations. But guess what when the next Sonic Game appears critics will also bash how bad the sonic games were over the last years. So dont give a damn shit about reviews.

Colour*

Played a little bit of it, definitly liked what I played so far. Seems like a nice blend of 2D and 3D. I'll probably get more into it once I finish with Rayman.

Oh and props to your avtar. The Mario 3 TV show was so badass, the Giant Ninja Koopas episode in particular. Good times..

Critics love to hate on Sonic. Good example is Sonic 4 Episode 2. Unlike the abysmal yet somehow well received Episode 1 it's actually good, yet it's being slammed regardless.

You can bring out 10 years of good Sonic games but they'll still think the Sonic Cycle persists.

Because Sonic Colours is actually good.

It's my #31st favorite game of all time. Though, I have played more games since then so it might be lower now, but we'll see in November. :P